Image display apparatus, imaging apparatus, image display method, and program

ABSTRACT

This image display apparatus includes a display unit that displays at least an image, an operation input unit that is divided into a plurality of areas, predetermined operations being assigned to the respective areas, and a control unit that displays an operation manual screen on the display unit for a predetermined time when a full-screen display process starts, that presents content of the operations assigned to the respective areas of the operation input unit by the screen, and that performs control to perform, when one of the areas is pressed, the operation assigned to the area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/601,838 filedNov. 25, 2009, the entire content of which is incorporated herein byreference, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 InternationalApplication No. PCT/JP08/058659 filed May 9, 2008 and Japanese PatentApplication No. 2007-171246 filed Jun. 28, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to image display apparatuses and the likethat can be applied to digital still cameras, digital video cameras, andthe like, particularly to an image display apparatus, an imagingapparatus, an image display method, and a program that enhanceoperability of reproducing a captured image.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, imaging apparatuses such as digital still cameras and digitalvideo cameras include a liquid crystal panel such as an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display). Therefore, a user can perform shooting with a desiredcomposition by viewing a captured image (through image) displayed on theliquid crystal panel. Furthermore, on the liquid crystal panel,predetermined icons related to various settings can also be displayed inaddition to a captured image.

Furthermore, there exist today imaging apparatuses including operationinput means such as a touch panel. In this case, a touch panel issuperimposed on a display of a liquid crystal panel, whereby a touchscreen is constituted. Under such a configuration, a user can perform apredetermined operation input by tapping an icon on the touch panel.

Regarding this type of technique, for example, Patent Document 1discloses an imaging apparatus in which a touch panel is superimposed ona display panel and in which operating various operation buttons on thetouch panel causes corresponding functions to be performed.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application PublicationNo. 2002-196667 DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, in the related art according to the above-mentioned PatentDocument 1, a zoom button is separately provided, and presses of thezoom button to the left and right cause moving to the previous screenand moving to the next screen to be performed. That is, operations ofmoving to the previous screen and moving to the next screen are assignedto a hard key, so that advantages of a touch panel in which respectivefunctions are disposed on a screen are not fully taken.

The present invention is directed to realizing an easy and exact changeof reproduced images by dividing a touch panel into a plurality ofareas, assigning predetermined operations to the respective areas, andpresenting the assignment to a user at a shift to full-screen display orthe like.

According to an image display apparatus of a first aspect of the presentinvention, a display unit displays at least an image. A touch panel isdivided into a plurality of areas, and predetermined operations areassigned to the respective areas. Also, a control unit displays apredetermined operation manual screen on the display unit for apredetermined time when a full-screen display process starts, presentscontent of the operations assigned to the respective areas of the touchpanel by the operation manual screen, and performs control to perform,when one of the areas of the touch panel is pressed, the operationassigned to the area.

Therefore, tapping the respective areas of the touch panel causes thepredetermined operations assigned to the areas to be performed on thebasis of control by the control unit.

Additionally, in the first aspect, the touch panel may be divided intothree areas, and the predetermined operations may include displaying aprevious image assigned to a left area, a shift to a menu screenassigned to a central area, and displaying a next image assigned to aright area.

According to an imaging apparatus of a second aspect of the presentinvention, an imaging unit captures a subject image and obtains an imagesignal. A display unit displays a captured image on the basis of atleast the image signal. A touch panel is divided into a plurality ofareas, and predetermined operations are assigned to the respectiveareas. Also, a control unit displays a predetermined operation manualscreen on the display unit for a predetermined time when a full-screendisplay process starts, presents content of the operations assigned tothe respective areas of the touch panel by the operation manual screen,and performs control to perform, when one of the areas of the touchpanel is pressed, the operation assigned to the area.

Therefore, in a case of reproducing and displaying a captured image,tapping the respective areas of the touch panel causes the predeterminedoperations assigned to the areas (e.g., moving to the next screen ormoving to the previous screen related to captured images) to beperformed on the basis of control by the control unit.

According to an image display method of a third aspect of the presentinvention, a predetermined operation manual screen is displayed on adisplay unit for a predetermined time when a full-screen display processstarts, content of operations assigned to a plurality of respectiveareas of a touch panel is presented by the operation manual screen, andcontrol is performed to perform, when one of the areas of the touchpanel is pressed, the operation assigned to the area.

Therefore, the predetermined operations are performed on the basis ofpresses of the respective areas of the touch panel.

According to a program of a fourth aspect of the present invention, acomputer performs an operation manual screen display function ofdisplaying a predetermined operation manual screen on a display unit fora predetermined time when a full-screen display process starts, and adisplay changing function of presenting content of operations assignedto a plurality of respective areas of a touch panel by the operationmanual screen, and changing, when one of the areas of the touch panel ispressed, display assigned to the area.

Therefore, performance of the predetermined operations based on therespective areas of the touch panel is controlled by a software processbased on the program.

According to the present invention, a touch panel is divided into aplurality of areas, predetermined operations are assigned to therespective areas, and the assignment is presented to a user at a shiftto full-screen display or the like, whereby an image display apparatus,an imaging apparatus, an image display method, and a program thatrealize an easy and exact change of reproduced images can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view of an image display apparatus according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration of an imaging apparatus according toa second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a back perspective view of the imaging apparatus according tothe second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the imaging apparatus accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart explaining in detail a characteristic process bythe imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a shift of a screen in the imaging apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, best modes for carrying out the present invention(hereinafter simply referred to as embodiments) will be described indetail with reference to the drawings.

A description will be given with reference to FIG. 1 that illustrates aconfiguration of an image display apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image display apparatus includes a controlunit 1 that controls the entire apparatus, an operation input unit 3, astorage unit 4, and a display unit 5. Also, the control unit 1 reads andexecutes a control program 2 stored in advance in the storage unit 4,thereby performing at least an operation manual screen display function2 a, a display changing function 2 b, and a main control function 2 c.

Also, the control unit 1 plays rolls of operation manual screen displaymeans, display changing means, main control means, and the like whenperforming the respective functions 2 a to 2 c.

In such a configuration, the control unit 1 displays a predeterminedoperation screen 100 on the display unit 5 by using the main controlfunction 2 c. On this operation screen 100, a plurality of icons 100 ato which various operations are assigned are displayed. Then, when theoperation input unit 3 such as a touch panel is operated by a user sothat a desired display mode is selected, the control unit 1 temporarilydisplays an operation manual screen 101 by using the operation manualscreen display function 2 a.

That is, the touch panel as the operation input unit 3 is divided intothree areas in this example and predetermined operations are assigned tothe respective areas. On the operation manual screen 101, too,predetermined icons 101 d to 101 f are displayed in the respective areasso that operation types assigned to the respective three areas 101 a,101 b, and 101 c of this touch panel 16 can be recognized.

Then, when the operation input unit 3 is operated by a user and when anyof the areas 101 a to 101 c is pressed to be selected, the control unit1 changes the display by using the display changing function 2 b. Morespecifically, for example, moving to the previous screen is performedwhen the area 101 a is selected, display of the operation screen 100 isperformed when the area 101 b is selected, and moving to the next screenis performed when the area 101 c is selected. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this. The respective operations depend onspecifications that are pre-assigned to the respective areas 101 a to101 c.

As described above, the image display apparatus according to the firstembodiment of the present invention is capable of performing thefollowing characteristic processes.

-   -   A touch panel is divided into predetermined areas, and        predetermined operations are assigned to the respective areas.    -   In a case of erasing icons, e.g., at a shift to full-screen        display, an operation manual screen is temporarily displayed so        that the foregoing assignment can be recognized before the        shift.

Accordingly, an operation using the touch panel can be easily andappropriately performed. At a shift to a state where no icon isdisplayed (full-screen display for reproducing), the respectiveoperations assigned to the touch panel can be recognized on theoperation manual screen.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

A description will be given with reference to FIG. 2 that illustrates aconfiguration of an imaging apparatus according to the second embodimentof the present invention.

This is the application of the image display apparatus according to theforegoing first embodiment to an imaging apparatus such as a digitalstill camera and a digital video camera. Hereinafter, details aredescribed.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the imaging apparatus according to the firstembodiment is provided with a lens unit 11 that conceptually includes animage taking lens, an aperture, a focus lens, and the like. Also, on alight path of subject light that enters through the lens unit 11, animaging device 12 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is disposed. Anoutput of the imaging device 12 is connected to an input of a digitalsignal processing unit 15 via an analog signal processing unit 13 and ananalog/digital (A/D) converting unit 14. Also, an output of this digitalsignal processing unit 15 is electrically connected to inputs of aliquid crystal panel 17 and a recording device 19.

An actuator 20 for performing adjustment of the aperture constitutingthe lens unit 11 and movement of the focus lens constituting the lensunit 11 is mechanically connected to the lens unit 11. Also, theactuator 20 is connected to a motor driver 21 for performing drivecontrol of the actuator 20.

Furthermore, this imaging apparatus is provided with a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 23 that controls the entire apparatus, and the CPU 23is connected to the motor driver 21, a timing generator (TG) 22, anoperation unit 24, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)25, a program ROM (Read Only Memory) 26, a RAM (Random Access Memory)27, and a touch panel 16. Additionally, the CPU 23 functions as controlmeans, particularly as the operation manual screen display means, thedisplay changing means, the main control means, and the like by readingand executing a control program stored in the program ROM 26.

The touch panel 16 and the liquid crystal panel 17 constitute a touchscreen 18.

The recording device 19 is a removable recording medium, for example, adisc such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a semiconductor memorysuch as a memory card, and can be loaded to/removed from the main bodyof the imaging apparatus. The EEPROM 25 is for storing data or the likethat should be held even after power-off, e.g., various pieces of setinformation. The program ROM 26 is for storing a program executed by theCPU 23 and data that is necessary to execute the program. Also, the RAM27 servers as a work area when the CPU 23 executes various processes andis for temporarily storing a necessary program and data.

In such a configuration, the CPU 23 controls the respective unitsconstituting the imaging apparatus by executing the program recorded onthe program ROM 26, and executes a predetermined process in response toa signal from the touch panel 16 or a signal from the operation unit 24.The operation unit 24 is operated by a user and supplies a signalcorresponding to the operation to the CPU 23.

That is, when an arbitrary position of the touch panel 16 is pressedwith a finger touch or the like, that is, when a predetermined operationinput is performed by a user, the coordinates of the pressed positionare detected by the touch panel 16, and a signal related to thecoordinates is transmitted to the CPU 23. The CPU 23 obtainspredetermined information corresponding to the coordinates and executesa predetermined process on the basis of the information.

When subject light enters through the lens unit 1, the imaging device 12captures the subject light, performs photoelectric conversion, andoutputs an analog image signal. At this time, the motor driver 21 drivesthe actuator 20 on the basis of control by the CPU 23. With this drive,the lens unit 11 is exposed from/accommodated in a casing of the imagingapparatus. Also, with this drive, adjustment of the apertureconstituting the lens unit 11 or movement of the focus lens constitutingthe lens unit 11 is performed.

Furthermore, the timing generator 22 supplies a timing signal to theimaging device 12 on the basis of control by the CPU 23. Exposure timeand the like in the imaging device 12 is controlled by this timingsignal. The imaging device 12 operates on the basis of the timing signalsupplied from this timing generator 22, thereby receiving light from asubject, the light entering through the lens unit 11, performingphotoelectric conversion, and supplying an analog image signal as anelectric signal according to the amount of received light to the analogsignal processing unit 13. The analog signal processing unit 13 performsanalog signal processing (amplification or the like) on the analog imagesignal transmitted from the imaging device 12 on the basis of control bythe CPU 23, and supplies an image signal obtained thereby to the A/Dconverting unit 14.

After that, the A/D converting unit 14 performs A/D conversion on theanalog image signal from the analog signal processing unit 13 on thebasis of control by the CPU 23 and supplies digital image data obtainedthereby to the digital signal processing unit 15. The digital signalprocessing unit 15 performs digital signal processing, such as a noiseremoving process, on the digital image signal from the A/D convertingunit 14 on the basis of control by the CPU 23 and supplies it to theliquid crystal panel 17, so that display is performed.

The digital signal processing unit 15 compresses the digital imagesignal from the A/D converting unit 14 in a JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group) method, for example, supplies a compressed digital imagesignal obtained thereby to the recording device 19, and allows the imagesignal to be recorded.

Furthermore, the digital signal processing unit 15 decompressescompressed image data recorded on the recording device 19 and suppliesimage data obtained thereby to the liquid crystal panel 17, so thatdisplay is performed. That is, the digital signal processing unit 15supplies image data from the A/D converting unit 14 to the liquidcrystal panel 17, whereby a so-called through image is displayed on theliquid crystal panel 11. In addition, the digital signal processing unit15 generates an image of a focus frame (AF frame) used for controllingfocus on the basis of control by the CPU 23, supplies the image to theliquid crystal panel 17, and allows the image to be displayed.

After that, when a user presses a shutter button that is conceptuallyincluded in the operation unit 24, a release signal is supplied from theoperation unit 24 to the CPU 23. When the release signal is supplied tothe CPU 23 in this way, the CPU 23 controls the digital signalprocessing unit 15 to allow image data supplied from the A/D convertingunit 14 to the digital signal processing unit 15 to be compressed, andallows the recording device 19 to record the compressed image data.

This imaging apparatus has an AF function. In the imaging apparatusaccording to this embodiment, an AF frame is set on an image captured bythe imaging device 12, and focus is controlled on the basis of an imageinside the AF frame. In this AF function, the AF frame can be set at anarbitrary position on an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 17,and furthermore, the position, size, and the like can be controlled onlyby operating the touch panel 16 that is configured integrally with theliquid crystal panel 17. An AF process is realized when the CPU 23 readsand executes a program in the program ROM 26.

The points that are particularly characteristic here are as follows.That is, the CPU 23 displays a predetermined operation screen on theliquid crystal panel 17. Then, when the touch panel 16 is operated by auser and a desired display mode is selected, the CPU 23 temporarilydisplays the operation manual screen.

That is, the touch panel 16 is divided into three areas andpredetermined operations are assigned to the respective areas. On theoperation manual screen, too, predetermined icons are displayed in therespective areas so that the operation types assigned to the three areasof the touch panel 16 can be recognized.

In this way, when any of the areas of the touch panel 16 is tapped andselected by a user, the CPU 23 changes the display.

As described above, in the imaging apparatus according to the secondembodiment of the present invention, the touch panel 16 is divided intopredetermined areas, and predetermined operations are assigned to therespective areas. In a case of erasing icons, such as at a shift tofull-screen display, a characteristic process of temporarily displayingthe operation manual screen so that the assignment can be recognizedbefore the shift can be performed. Accordingly, an operation using thetouch panel 16 can be easily and appropriately performed, and therespective operations assigned to the touch panel 16 can be recognizedon the operation manual screen at a shift to a state where no icon isdisplayed.

Next, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B thatillustrate schematic views of the imaging apparatus according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a back perspective view of the imaging apparatus, whereasFIG. 3B is a front perspective view.

A front surface of the imaging apparatus is covered with a lens coverand has an arrangement in which an image taking lens 55 and an AFilluminator 56 conceptually included in the lens unit 11 are exposedwhen the lens cover 57 on the front surface is opened downward. This AFilluminator 56 also serves as a self-timer lamp. On a top surface of theimaging apparatus, a zoom lever (TELE/WIDE) 51, a shutter button 52, areproducing button 53, and a power button 54 are disposed. Furthermore,the touch screen 18 is provided on a back surface of the imagingapparatus. The zoom lever 51, the shutter button 52, the reproducingbutton 53, and the power button 54 are conceptually included in theoperation unit 24.

Hereinafter, a characteristic process performed by the imaging apparatusaccording to the second embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4. Note thatthe following series of processes also correspond to an image displaymethod according to the second embodiment.

In the following, FIG. 5 is referred to as necessary. As illustrated inFIG. 5( a), in an initial screen 200, a move-to-previous-screen button200 a, a move-to-next-screen button 200 b, a slideshow reproducingbutton 200 c, and a screen change button 200 d are displayed, forexample.

Then, in the initial screen 200, when an instruction to change screensis provided through tapping of the screen change button 200 d, causing ashift to full-screen reproducing (step S1), the CPU 23 first displays anoperation manual screen 201 (step S2), continues the display untilpredetermined time has elapsed (step S3), and erases the operationmanual screen 201 (step S4) after the predetermined time has elapsed(branch to YES in step S3). That is, full-screen display for reproducingis performed.

According to the foregoing process, the operations assigned to therespective areas of the touch panel 16 can be recognized before a shiftto full-screen reproducing in which no icon is displayed. That is, theuser can recognize the operations assigned to respective areas 201 a to201 c of the touch panel 16 on the basis of icons 201 d to 201 fdisplayed in the respective areas 201 a to 201 c.

Then, the CPU 23 determines whether the central area 201 b of the touchpanel 16 has been tapped (step S5), displays the initial screen 200(step S6) when determining that the central area 201 b has been tapped(branch to YES in step S5), and ends the process.

On the other hand, if the CPU 23 determines in step S5 that the centralarea 201 a has not been tapped (branch to NO in step S5), the CPU 23determines whether the left area 201 a has been tapped (step S7). If theCPU 23 determines that the left area 201 a has been tapped (branch toYES in step S7), the CPU 23 displays a screen related to the previouscaptured image (move to previous screen) (step S8) and ends the process.On the other hand, if the CPU 23 determines that the left area 201 a hasnot been tapped (branch to NO in step S7), the CPU 23 determines thatthe right area 201 c has been tapped, displays a screen related to thenext captured image (move to next screen) (step S9), and the series ofprocesses end.

As described above, according to the first and second embodiments of thepresent invention, an operation using a touch panel can be easily andappropriately performed. Particularly, at a shift to a state where noicon is displayed (e.g., full-screen display of a captured image),respective operations assigned to the touch panel can be recognized onthe operation manual screen.

The first and second embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed above, but the present invention is not limited to thoseembodiments, and various improvements or modifications can be acceptedwithout deviating from the scope of the invention.

For example, in the foregoing first and second embodiments, descriptionshave been given about a screen for explaining respective functionsassigned to three areas of the touch panel as an example of theoperation manual screen. However, the present invention is not limitedto this, and a simple operation manual may also be displayed in additionto the icons.

1. (canceled)
 2. An image display apparatus comprising: a display unitthat displays at least an image; a touch panel that is divided into aplurality of areas, a predetermined operation being assigned to each ofthe respective areas; and a control unit that displays a predeterminedoperation manual screen on the display unit only for a predeterminedtime when a full-screen display process starts, that presents symbols ofthe predetermined operation manual screen, the symbols representing thepredetermined operations assigned to the respective areas of the touchpanel by the predetermined operation manual screen only for thepredetermined time, that erases the predetermined operation manualscreen including the symbols, after the predetermined time has elapsed,from the display unit, performs control to perform, when one of theplurality of areas of the touch panel is pressed, after thepredetermined time when the operation manual screen including thesymbols are erased, the operation assigned to the area, wherein, theplurality of areas into which the touch panel displaying an image duringthe full-screen display process is divided includes a left area, acentral area and a right area, and wherein the predetermined operationsinclude displaying a previous image assigned to the left or the rightarea, a shift to a menu screen assigned to the central area, anddisplaying a next image assigned to the opposite area, and the controlunit presents a respective one of the symbols in each of the left,central, and right areas.
 3. The image display apparatus according toclaim 2, further comprising: an imaging unit that captures a subjectimage and that obtains an image signal, wherein the display unitdisplays a captured image on the basis of at least the image signal. 4.An image display method implemented in an image display apparatus,comprising: displaying, by the image display apparatus, a predeterminedoperation manual screen on a display unit only for a predetermined timewhen a full-screen display process starts; presenting, only for thepredetermined time, symbols of the predetermined operation manualscreen, the symbols representing predetermined operations assigned toeach of a plurality of areas, an area of a touch panel displaying animage during the full-screen display process being divided into theplurality of areas, which include a left area, a central area and aright area, the predetermined operations including displaying a previousimage assigned to the left or the right area, a shift to a menu screenassigned to the central area, and displaying a next image assigned tothe opposite area; erasing the predetermined operation manual screenincluding the symbols, after the predetermined time has elapsed, frombeing displayed; and performing, when one of the plurality of areas ofthe touch panel is pressed, after the predetermined time when thepredetermined operation manual screen including the symbols are erased,the operation assigned to the area.
 5. A non-transitory computerreadable storage medium on which is stored a program for causing animage display apparatus to perform: displaying a predetermined operationmanual screen on a display unit only for a predetermined time when afull-screen display process starts; presenting, only for thepredetermined time, symbols of the predetermined operation manualscreen, the symbols representing predetermined operations assigned toeach of a plurality of areas, an area of a touch panel displaying animage during the full-screen display process being divided into theplurality of areas, which include a left area, a central area and aright area, the predetermined operations including displaying a previousimage assigned to the left or the right area, a shift to a menu screenassigned to the central area, and displaying a next image assigned tothe opposite area; erasing the predetermined operation manual screenincluding the symbols, after the predetermined time has elapsed, frombeing displayed; and performing, when one of the plurality of areas ofthe touch panel is pressed, after the predetermined time when thepredetermined operation manual screen including the symbols are erased,the operation assigned to the area.